The George Spangler Farm Civil War Field Hospital Site is the best surviving example of a farm used as a corps field hospital during the battle of Gettysburg. Open Friday-Sunday in the summer months and accessible via shuttle from the Visitor Center. One minute George Spangler and his family were enjoying life on his over 80 acre farm. The next, the battle came to Gettysburg, and their thriving family farm was transformed into one of the largest field hospitals and artillery staging areas in the battle.

Today, seasonal visitors can explore the newly restored barn, which sheltered thousands of wounded soldiers from both sides; the rehabilitated Summer Kitchen, where General Lewis A. Armistead died from wounds he received during Pickett's Charge; and the newly restored smokehouse, which shows the perils of 19th century farming. The site also offers several interpretive programs and living history encampments. The 80-acre George Spangler Farm property is one of the most preserved and significant Union field hospitals from the Battle of Gettysburg. Immediately prior to July 1, 1863, the Spangler Farm property was owned by George Spangler and his wife Elizabeth and provided a home and livelihood for the couple and their four children.

The Spangler Farm property was a thriving subsistence farm with livestock such as horses, milk cows, sheep and swine and bountiful crops like corn, wheat, potatoes and oats. The Spanglers also had orchards and a thriving garden on their property. During the Battle of Gettysburg, the serene yet productive home and farm were totally transformed into a place of chaos and crisis for thousands of individuals, including soldiers, surgeons, caregivers, volunteers and the Spangler family. On July 1, 1863 the entire property was converted to a field hospital for the 2nd Division of the 11th Union Army Corps—which later became the main hospital for all wounded corps. Reportedly, 1,800 Union soldiers and 100 Confederate soldiers were treated at the Spangler property by at least seven Federal surgeons. Confederate General Lewis A. Armistead reportedly died in the summer kitchen located on the farm. Following the Civil War, the Spanglers’ farm and home were in shambles. The medical team and troops his fence rails for fuel, his crops and hay to feed soldiers and animals and his lumber and shingles for hospital furniture, makeshift beds and coffins.

Hours & Getting There

The George Spangler Farm Civil War Field Hospital Site is now closed for the season and will re-open in early June 2017. The Spangler Farm site is accessible by shuttle only. Tickets may be obtained the day of your visit to the Spangler Farm or online here. Tickets are available at the Ticketing Counter inside the Museum & Visitor Center and online. The shuttle departs from the Museum & Visitor Center on a loop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tickets

Access to the site requires the purchase of a shuttle ticket.

• Youth (ages 6 - 12): $2.25
• Adults: $5.50

What to bring

Water, sun protection and insect repellant

Accommodations

Due to limited space, strollers, wheelchairs and walkers may not be transported on the shuttle. Strollers are available on-site. If you have limited mobility without the use of a wheelchair or walker, please visit the Ticketing Counter for more information about access. The terrain at the site includes graveled walkways, uneven grassy areas and unpaved grounds.